Writing in the most literal sense is sometimes referred to as a lost art form these days. People are more apt to type messages and notes. Even a grocery list can be made easier on a Smartphone.

Yet, Mano Duggal thinks you’d be surprised at the number of people who still take pride in penmanship.

She and her husband Baldeep, a longtime accountant, opened Phidon Pens on Dickson Street back in September 2008. The store specializes in more than 40 brands of writing instruments, as well as notebooks, fine paper and leather cases, even sealing wax and personalized stamps to send mail the old fashioned way.

The business has been successful with the school of architecture nearby, and other various occupations and calligraphists who still rely on such products to serve a real purpose. However, Duggal is looking to expand the customer base and reach a demographic not inclined to pick up a pen these days.

This Saturday, the store will host its first class: A Resurrection of the Golden Age of Penmanship with renowned calligraphy instructor Heather Held. The two-hour workshop will include an exploration of historic and contemporary handwriting, and an exemplar that students can use to improve penmanship.

“This is just the basics,” said Duggal, who decided to offer the class after receiving numerous requests. Although it’s already sold out, she plans to organize similar ones in the future on a semi-regular basis, for various age groups.

Adults enrolled because they wish to brush up on their skills and are willing to learn, Duggal said. But kids can also reap the benefits.

“Cursive has been removed from the curriculum,” noted June Kasperski Wild, a longtime friend and employee. “Kids aren’t learning it unless teachers decide to teach it.”

Handwriting has long been regarded as a better way for writers to flesh out the creative process, an analogue to the fine arts, and a much more personal way to convey thoughts, feelings, thank you, or sympathy. It can also give students an edge, Wild believes.

She said her husband is a professor of math and science at the University of Waterloo and is frequently taken aback by his students’ writing that’s evident on exams, which can’t be done on computers like regular assignments.

Some students are quite bright, but in advanced math the explanation of how you arrived at an answer is often more important than the answer, she explained.

“Their theorems and proofs are often unclear.”

Even taking notes during a lesson or lecture is often more productive with pen. Studies have shown that students who use pens achieve better marks because they stimulate another part of the brain used for memory.

“When you type you are recording it, when you write you are learning it,” reasons Wild.

Ironically, you can find Phidon Pens on Facebook or visit www.phidonpens.com to keep abreast of future writing workshops.